Tipsy-turvy

April 06, 2006

ANOTHER OPINIONFrom the Kansas City Star The latest research on the health effects of that nightly glass of wine is, well, sobering. It turns out that previous studies lumped lifelong abstainers with people who had recently quit drinking, often because of health problems or alcoholism. That worsened the outcomes for that group in comparison with moderate imbibers. When the numbers were recalculated, moderate drinkers and former drinkers had similar outcomes. Lifelong abstainers were healthiest, and heavy drinkers fared worse than previously thought. Wine aficionados will be happy to know researchers cautioned against overreaction. The latest findings don't warrant a rush to abstinence. Moderation is best.